Digital services support resource efficiency 

Projects aimed at reducing energy, water or chemical consumption on a paper machine require a stable and predictable production process.  

“A paper or board machine is a complex entity, the core of which is constant change. There are delays in the process, and different phenomena affect each other. In addition, the main raw materials, fiber and water, bring variation to the process. Chemistry expertise is key when it comes to understanding, controlling and predicting different variables and their impact on the production process,” says Mari Zabihian, who is responsible for digital services for pulp and paper customers at Kemira. 

Kemira says that in recent years it has focused its paper chemistry know-how on developing digital services in collaboration with partners. The solutions enable real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and advanced process control for chemistry management and optimization in pulp, paper, board and tissue processes as well as in water treatment. 

“Paper and board machines aim to identify and prevent costly disruptions, such as paper web breaks and scrap. It is also valuable to better understand the periods when the production line is operating without problems. Improving process runnability and predictability allows us to focus on other critical projects that aim for resource efficiency and more sustainable practices,” says Mari Zabihian. 

Kemira sees that by utilizing machine learning models and production process data extensively from both the mechanical and chemical sides, process conditions are identified that affect production efficiency in different ways. Digital solutions are also backed by proprietary technology developed specifically for measuring and managing chemistry. In addition, data is collected using “soft sensors”, i.e. virtual computational sensors.  

“One example of the benefits of uncovering cause-and-effect relationships is energy savings when reducing the steam used for drying. The solution may be found in the wet end of a paper machine, where stability creates the conditions for optimal water removal already in the wire and press section. When trying to improve the operation of a process in one area, you need to be able to analyze conditions and deviations throughout the process to find previously hidden dependencies and at the same time identify things that matter,” says Zabihian.  

Factories are increasingly operating in closed water cycles to reduce fresh water consumption. This adds challenges as increased impurities in the process disrupt the chemistry of the short cycle, which in turn increases the risk of precipitation and outages. 

“I believe that Kemira is in a unique position to support our customers' experts and operators to improve resource efficiency and productivity in production through our data-driven services,” says Mari Zabihian from Kemira.